Derek is a Partner at JMW with 16 years of Consumer and Trading Law experience, previously at an international law firm he provides valuable and practical assistance to corporate, retail and individual clients.

Derek is known for his ability to nip regulatory investigations in the bud, working with clients and regulators alike to achieve regulatory compliance. His ability to find practical legal solutions in most instances and maximise damage limitation in the others, avoids regulator concerns escalating to sanctions that would cause significant damage to client reputations and their commercial viability.

Derek is the leading specialist Lawyer in the UK Parking Sector and a such he and his team have been appointed by the British Parking Association (BPA) to represent its broad membership and in particular those parking enforcement companies and Local Authorities who are BPA Approved Operators. Derek assists these members with compliance to ensure they treat consumers fairly.

Derek is also the only defence solicitor member of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute in its 126 year history, he is well known and respected by regulator and local authority enforcement teams who are happy to work with him to assist his clients.

Retail - 3 of the Britain’s top 4 Supermarkets, a leading outdoor clothing company and a major Global merchandising, sourcing and product development retail partner.

Parking - the nation’s 2 largest parking and parking enforcement companies including involved in the recent Court of Appeal reasonable parking charges case.

Leisure Industry – Britain’s leading holiday park company

Manufacturing, distribution and supply chain – A Major European Haulier

As well as compliance and due diligence advice for new start-ups, giving them the best chance for a bright and productive future.

Your advice and support has been very much appreciated and well done on an excellent result."Group Solicitor for a top 4 supermarket regarding a Food Safety compliance investigation

I was very grateful for the time and effort that you put into sorting out my trading standards problems which could have caused me tremendous difficulties had you not been so efficient and professional when dealing with this on our behalf.

CEO of a diet company regarding malicious competitor allegations.

Financial Services Expertise

Derek has significant experience within the Debt management and Claims management sectors advising companies on historic and recent Consumer Credit Regulation including appealing to the First Tier Consumer Credit Appeal’s Tribunal (CCAT). He also regularly advises on the FCA handbook and application and due diligence requirements for interim and full permissions for the provision of consumer credit.

Driving Defence

Derek has a strong Driving Defence brand and can be found on twitter as @DrivingLawyer . He regularly negotiates the court requirements to protect driving licences as well as contesting technical failings for speeding, mobile phone, failure to stop and report, failure to provide driver identity, s172 notices, careless, dangerous and drink driving matters.

Derek regularly assists high profile individuals from the sporting and broadcast world, keeping them on the road as well as keeping publicity to a minimum. He has also successfully represented a number of individuals in cases dealing with allegations of perverting the course of justice through ‘points swapping’.

Derek also assists with the management and sponsorship of teams and drivers, in all levels of motorsport from grass roots to F1, recently receiving instructions and acting for Lotus F1 Team. He is involved with rising star Josh Webster in the Porsche Carrera Cup and Welch Motorsport in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC).

Media profile

Derek is a driving law pundit on BBC Radio 5 live and has also regularly appeared on National and local TV and Radio discussing Consumer and driving related matters.

Reason for joining JMW

I moved to JMW due to the firm’s innovative and forward thinking approach to the provision of legal services. This approach compliments my belief that modern clients should expect services tailored to their particular circumstances. I can now offer the services of my colleagues to ensure a full service offering to my clients in a way that best suits them. My niche skill set will also enhance the service that JMW can provide to its existing clients.

Latest News

Eddie Jones, head of clinical negligence at JMW, has helped a young girl obtain a care package worth £5.85 million after she was left with permanent disabilities due to a birth injury. This press release has the details.